Editors Note: Jerry was diagnosed with lung cancer in February of 2007. In the hopes that we can help others with similar situations we are publishing Jerry’s story from day one and the battles he faces as he fights back against the cancer.
From Jerry: There have been hundreds of calls, emails and cards of thanks for sharing what happens in a cancer victim’s life. If you need me to talk or communicate with one of your loved ones or friends please email me at jerry@jerryfowler.com
All updates from the first day are chronicled on my web site at www.jerryfowler.com. Just click “Medical Updates” for a complete diary from week one. One can visit each week for the weekly update by clicking on the latest week or read the entire series by beginning at week 1. Updates are not posted until the Saturday after they have appeared in the newspaper.
Today as I think about what I have experienced in the last 5 months it seems like a dream. Never did I expect to have cancer. There were no warning signs, no pain, and no ideas that I had cancer. I recently read in the American Cancer Journal that most people have no symptoms and that their cancer is discovered by accident. Most were having tests for other ailments when cancer was discovered. The worst part of this article is the fact that if you live long enough one will have some type of cancer.
The purpose of these articles is to give those who have not had cancer affect their life an insight into the feelings and life of someone going through cancer and the treatment of cancer.
I will have my 6th and final treatment Tuesday 7-3-2007. The after effects have been more and more severe. Dr. Babcock has told me that these treatments were expected to be more severe as we progressed. He told me just last week that most people will be confined to the bed for days after the treatments progress. Why I asked. Dr. Babcock told me that the chemicals are very strong and as we give you more, some of the previous chemicals are still in the body. They build up and each treatment has an accumulative effect.
I can tell you I do not look forward to the treatments. The last two treatments required 8 and 9 days to get back to being halfway normal and the feelings and side effects are worst and worst. So far I have been very fortunate not to have been forced to stay home from my business. I have a very strong drive and like I have said so many times I feel that a strong positive attitude keeps my mind and body strong. I must admit however that I must force myself to rest when exhausted, go home when tired and just relax when needed. That is difficult to do for a “Type A” personality.
Last week we had an X-Ray to see if anything showed up. Dr. Babcock said he could not see anything and as he listened to my lungs said they sounded good. We will have a CAT scan completed in three weeks to really take an in-depth look at where we are. I fully expect the CAT scan to come back showing I am free of any trace of cancer.
As I said last week if you are a cancer patient STOP using the word I hope I will be healed and replace that word with I believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will be healed. Never hope, only believe and it shall happen. I credit my success to prayer, positive thinking and an unwavering belief that day by day I am getting healthier and better.
When one first find out that a friend has cancer we send cards, call, send emails and stay in touch. However I find through talking with others that those cards, calls and emails stop after a short time. Please remember that your friend is usually in for a long difficult battle and keep calling and staying in touch. As a cancer patient progresses through their battle the fight gets more difficult and your continued contact means everything to that person. You will never know how important your contacts are to the cancer victim. In my cancer support group many of the members talk about reading the emails and cards constantly for strength and encouragement. Keep sending those contacts to your friends. These contacts show you care.
I will let you know next week how the 6th and final treatment progressed.
Don’t forget if you have someone you care about that needs to talk, please have them call or send me an email. Just talking to another person who is going through the same situation will help them cope much better. The best way to reach me is through my personal email. That address is Jerry@JerryFowler.com
Special thanks to Rod Shealy, owner of The New Irmo News, The Northeast News, The Lake Murray News and the Cayce/West Columbia News for making my story availing to all the readers in those areas.
Now go out and create a terrific day and if you’re healthy thank God and enjoy your health.
Jerry Fowler
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